Daniel Aguilar

We are deeply saddened to announce that our fun loving dad, Daniel Edward Aguilar, 74, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2025, at his home in Petaluma, California, surrounded by family and friends after a seven-month battle with cancer. Our dad lived a life full of kindness, laughter, and generosity, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Dan was born in Ukiah, California, on November 2, 1950, to Ralph and Genevieve Aguilar. A proud Native American, he took great joy in sharing his family's rich history with others. He had a deep connection to his parents-Ralph, who was Paiute, and Gen, who was Pomo-and his heritage was an integral part of who he was.

Dan's grandmother, Elsie Allen, was a well-known Pomo basketmaker and educator. Her extraordinary work and family's history are preserved in a permanent exhibit at the Santa Rosa Junior College Multicultural Museum. Dan was honored to speak at the museum's opening event, as well as on Rose's radio show, where he shared his family's stories with the wider community.

He was also deeply moved to learn that his only granddaughter would be named after Elsie Allen, a reflection of the enduring legacy of his family's history.

Dan was also known for wearing t-shirts emblazoned with Native messages, which often became conversation starters. These shirts were just one of the many ways he proudly expressed his identity.

Our dad enjoyed a career in sheet metal, where he made lifelong friendships and was a proud member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 104. After retiring, he turned his passion for woodworking into a small business, Woodworking By Dan. He was best known for his custom cornhole boards, clocks, children's coat hangers and step stools, and planters, and often donated items to local organizations and community fundraisers. He took immense pride in his work and found great joy in seeing the happiness his creations brought to others.

Dan had a lifelong passion for sports and loved playing, watching, and coaching baseball and softball, where he made even more lasting friendships. His garage was often filled with the sounds of Giants or Warriors games, or very loud heavy metal music as he worked on his latest woodworking project. He had a sign that said: 'If I'm listening to Metallica, so are my neighbors.'

An avid poker player, our dad hosted tournaments and Friday night games at his home, where friends and family gathered for fun and camaraderie. Even in his final weeks, despite the pain he was enduring, he found the strength to play for five hours, well into the night. He was thrilled to play his last poker game with his granddaughter Elsie.

Our dad was also committed to giving back to his community, especially through The Miracle League North Bay, where he served as a board member and coach, helping children with disabilities enjoy organized baseball. He loved making personalized coat racks for the players and constantly talked about how much The Miracle League enriched his life. He also volunteered with Una Vida, delivering food to families in need throughout Petaluma.

Dan will be remembered for his infectious humor and boundless generosity. He had a special way of making everyone feel welcome, often greeting people with his signature "Hey buddy," and surprising strangers by picking up their dinner tabs. His warmth and compassion left an indelible mark on all who crossed his path.

Please remember and honor our dad by engaging in acts of kindness.

A celebration of Dan Aguilar's life will be held on February 16, 2025, from 1-4pm at Torches restaurant, located at 256 Petaluma Blvd N in Petaluma.

In keeping with his wishes for a joyful gathering, attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite sports gear, and friends and family are invited to share stories and memories in honor of our dad's vibrant spirit. Those who have received one of his handcrafted woodworking pieces are welcome to bring it for display at the event.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Miracle League North Bay (https://miracleleaguenorthbay.org/) and Una Vida (https://www.una-vida.org/) in Dan's memory.

We are deeply grateful to his sister Linda, niece Dawn, brother Ron, sister-in-law Zandra, great-niece Natasha, and the many friends whose care and visits filled him with love, support, and peace. His life was blessed with so many wonderful people, and we will forever cherish the special moments that brought him both laughter and tears. Those who knew him will smile at the thought of visitors often passing each other as they came and went -- he was loved by so many.

Our heartfelt thanks also go to the staff at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, Providence Medical Center, and By the Bay Health for their compassionate care, which surrounded our dad with comfort and dignity.

Our dad's legacy of kindness and generosity will live on in the many lives he touched. His spirit will continue to inspire us all. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him. We miss him dearly and will always carry him in our hearts.